TOYOTA'S new Prado range is an exercise in design excellence, writes JOHN PARRY
Toyota has launched its fourth-generation Prado armed with a bigger body, more technical wizardry and, for the first time, a three-door version.
With styling mimicking the LandCruiser, the new model is safer, smarter, more spacious and a little more economical.
On the road it is smoother, quieter and more composed, but it also looks and feels bigger and bulkier than its predecessor.
Prices are up by between $2000 and $7800, offset by more equipment.
Weight is up by 150-200kg and with only minor engine changes to the 3.0-litre diesel to improve torque at lower revs, performance is tempered.
Power output is unchanged at 127kW as is torque at 410Nm but it comes in at a lower 1600rpm.
However fuel use drops to a combined 8.5litres/100km (manual 8.8) due in part to a slipperier shape.
The 4.0-litre V6 petrol has a little more urge at higher revs with power up by 13 per cent to 202kW and torque up 5Nm to 361Nm. Fuel use is 11.5litres/100km (manual 13).
All models have seven airbags, alloy wheels, stability control and traction control.
High-grade versions are loaded with so many electronic aides that owners will need a comprehensive briefing to learn how to use them and the skill to know when to use them.
These include five-speed crawl control for ascents and descents, four-mode traction control for mud and sand, loose rock, mogul and rock, adaptive suspension, a steering angle display to show where the front wheels are pointing and four cameras - one at the front to monitor steep descents and one at the rear and two in the side mirrors to locate hazards and assist parking.
Diesel dominates powering 10 of the 14 models.
Three-door models come in SX and ZR grades and arrive just as Mitsubishi drops its three door Pajero due to low demand.
Five-door models retain the familiar GX, GXL and VX badges. The standard grade is gone and Kakadu replaces the softer-sounding Grande.
The five-seat SX, ZR and GX are diesel only in manual or automatic.
The seven-seat GXL, VX and Kakadu are in petrol or diesel, the latter two in automatic only. The previous three-place side folding rear seats have been replaced by a forward folding two-seater which folds into the slighly higher rear floor.
Towing capacity remains a conservative 2500kg on the five-door models and 3000kg on the three-door versions (lower gross vehicle mass).
All models have seven airbags, alloy wheels, stability control, traction control and a low-range switch replacing the previous lever.
The GX comes with air-conditioning, cruise control, brakes assist smart entry and smart start, tilt and telescopic steering column, a 220-volt accessory socket, Bluetooth, USB auxiliary input and iPod control, mirror-mounted indicators and a minimum 2500kg towing capacity.
The automatic GX adds hill ascent and descent control and the option of curtain airbags for the third row.
The GXL adds third-row seats and airbags, climate-control, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, multi-information display, steering-wheel audio controls, alarm system, front fog lamps, roof rails, side steps, load blind and sun visor extensions.
The VX adds the KDSS adaptive suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto turning headlights, auto wipers, leather edged seats and door trim, heated front seats, power adjustment steering column, power-folding third-row seat, front parking sensors, nine-speaker audio with CD multi-changer, privacy glass, dipping mirror, door and step entry lights and luggage rails.
The Kakadu has crawl control, variable traction control, camera terrain monitor, rear differential lock, adaptive suspension, auto-leveling height adjustable rear air suspension, sunroof, satellite navigation, premium audio with DVD, rear-seat entertainment, refrigerated coolbox and high-grade interior trim.
Pre-crash preparation and radar cruise control are optional. The SX has similar equipment to the GX and the ZR is similar to the Kakadu.
Prices are: GX diesel $55,990, GXL petrol $60,990, GXL diesel $61,990. Add $2500 for automatic. VX petrol petrol auto $74,490, diesel $75,490. Kakadu petrol $87,990 and diesel $88,990. SX diesel auto $55,900, ZR diesel $65,990. The seven-seat option on the GX is $2500 and the safety pack on Kakadu and ZR is $2500.
